Y chromosome microdeletions were detected in 33.3% (6 out of 18) of idiopathic azoospermic patients with high serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels in the present study. The results suggest that it may be necessary to detect microdeletions in patients with azoospermia, especially for those with high serum FSH levels, before assisted reproductive technology (ART) is provided to them.